2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 65 kg more than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2910 mm |
